Philosophy 210-02

Office Hours:  M, W 2:00 - 3:00

Fall 2007

(and by appointment)

Yancy Hughes Dominick

1001 Broadway

3:45 - 5:50 M,W

206-296-5470

ADMN 206

dominick@seattleu.edu

 

Course Description:

In this course, we will attempt an examination of the human person; we will also examine the ways in which philosophical questions are asked and answered. 

 

Five questions will help focus our examination:

Are human beings material beings, or spiritual beings, or somehow both? Are we capable of free choice or are we fundamentally determined in what we do? Does human life have an ultimate meaning or purpose? How should we think philosophically about our death and the possibility of life after death? What is the nature of human community?

 

Time constraints and student interest will inevitably lead to our spending more time on some of these questions.  One other thing worth noting:  although the exam dates below are not changeable, reading assignments are provisional and may change slightly.

 

Structure:

As philosophy operates through questions and attempts at answers, this course will place some emphasis on class discussion and conversation, though there will be a significant amount of lecture.  In order that these conversations be productive, reading assignments must be completed before each class meeting. The reading is substantial, so be prepared to spend an hour or more before each class. Homework assignments throughout the semester should help facilitate class discussion.

 

Texts:

  • Plato.  Five Dialogues.  Hackett.
  • Aristotle.  On the Soul.  Green Lion.
  • Descartes, René.  Meditations on First Philosophy.  Hackett.
  • Additional readings on the Internet.

 

Website:

Students may see their grades, view the syllabus, and obtain supplementary readings on the ANGEL site for this course.  To access the site go to http://angel.seattleu.edu/ and follow the instructions.  For assistance or problems with the website, please see instructor.

 

Requirements and Grades:

Attendance is expected. More than three unexcused absences will affect final grades. Homework and participation in class discussion will be worth 20% of the final grade (each homework assignment is worth 1% of the final grade).

 

Exams:  There will be two take-home exams, worth 25% each, and a final exam, worth 30%.

 

Etc.:

Academic dishonesty will be not be tolerated.  See http://www.seattleu.edu/registrar/page.aspx?ID=87.

• Makeup exams and late homework will be awarded full credit only upon demonstrated need (i.e., through proof of illness or emergency). Otherwise, 10% will be deducted.

• If you have, or think you may have, a disability (including an ‘invisible disability’ such as a learning disability, a chronic health problem, or a mental health condition) that interferes with your performance as a student in this class, you are encouraged to arrange support services and/or accommodations through Disabilities Services staff in the Learning Center, Loyola 100, (206) 296-5740. Disability-based adjustments to course expectations can be arranged only through this process.

 

Dates

Required Readings

Assignments and Items to Note

Wed. 26 Sept.

Introductions

 

Mon. 1 Oct.,

Wed. 3 Oct.

 

Plato, Apology

Reading response due

Mon. 8 Oct.,

Wed. 10 Oct.

 

Plato, Apology

Reading response due

Mon. 15 Oct.,

Wed. 17 Oct.

 

Plato, Phaedo

Reading response due

Mon. 22 Oct.

 

Plato, Phaedo

First exam due

 

Wed. 24 Oct.

Plato, Phaedo

 Reading response due

Mon. 29 Oct.,

Wed. 31 Oct.

 

Aristotle, On the Soul

Reading response due

Mon. 5 Nov.,

Wed. 7 Nov.

 

Aristotle, On the Soul

Reading response due

Mon. 12 Nov.

 

 

No Class

Wed. 14 Nov.

 

Descartes, Meditation I

Reading response due

Mon. 19 Nov.

 

Descartes, Meditation II

Second exam due

Wed. 21 Nov.

 

 

No Class

Mon. 26 Nov.,

Wed. 28 Nov.

 

Descartes, Meditation III

Reading response due

Mon. 3 Dec.,

Wed. 5 Dec.

 

Descartes, Meditation VI

Cole (online)

Reading response due

Mon. 10 Dec.

 

Cole (online)

Reading response due

Thursday 13 Dec.

 

Final exam: 

4:00 - 5:50 Thursday 13 December

 

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